Imagine Dragons Origins CD

Origins was conceived as a sister album to Evolve, continuing its predecessor’s sonic explorations. “It’s about seeking new ground but also appreciating your root," says lead vocalist Dan Reynolds, whose band mates include guitarist Wayne Sermon, bassist Ben McKee, and drummer Daniel Platzman. “When we create, we create with no boundaries, no rules. We find it thrilling to make music that feels different and new to us."

Imagine Dragons joined forces with producers Joel Little (Lorde, Khalid), Mattman & Robin (Selena Gomez, Carly Rae Jepsen), and John Hill (Florence + the Machine) to sculpt the kaleidoscopic and kinetically charged sound of Origins. With the band artfully blending rock, hip-hop, pop, and folk, the album is etched in inventive textures that never distract from an essential element of Imagine Dragons: lyrics that speak to a sometimes-painful self-awareness, but ultimately uplift and inspire.

Origins will be released 16 months after Imagine Dragons’ previous album Evolve, which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album and included hit singles “Thunder”, “Whatever It Takes” and "Believer".

Review of Imagine Dragons - Origins by Thomas Bleach

I’m not sure how Imagine Dragons found the time to write and record a new album in between their last record and their massive world tour, but they have. ‘Origins’ is the Las Vegas bands fourth studio album and sees them stepping towards a even bolder and euphoric sound. This twelve track record hears the four-piece packing together big singalong ready hooks with emotive storylines of hope, love and strength. At times this record is a little predictable as they recycle some of the same lyrical and sonical ideas that really could have been refined. But it also punches in some big and euphoric moments that you will want to have on replay. Fronted by the big singles ‘Natural’, ‘Machine’ and ‘Zero’ they kick of the album with big hooks that are prepared to get the audiences jumping at their energetic and captivating live shows. ‘Bad Liar’, ‘Bullet in A Gun’ and the future single ‘Cool Out’ add in some slick synths and continue this upbeat and feel good sound they have rolling. But it’s moments like ‘Boomerang’, ‘Digital’, ‘Love’ and ‘Stuck’ that hears this sound becoming a little receptive and boring. However there is a bit of experimentation that does occur on the record with ‘Only’ dabbling with a heavier electronic breakdown similar to their KYGO collaboration ‘Born To Be Yours’ and the country tinged ‘West Coast’ which will quickly become a fan favourite. They definitely know what sonically works as they’ve regurgitated some sonical moments that have worked for them over the years on this record. But it’s smart because it allows them to stay on the road and continue to tour and keep the momentum going as they are quickly becoming one of the biggest acts in the world. I just hope they don’t burn out too soon.
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